Delaware Judge Hears Arguments in FOIA Spat Between Markell, Flowers

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP)- A judge is hearing oral arguments in a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit pitting former Delaware Gov. Jack Markell against former state treasurer Chip Flowers.

Friday's hearing involves a request by Flowers in 2015 for emails sent or received by Markell administration officials that referred to Flowers and his office.

After Flowers challenged Markell's denial of records, the attorney general's office issued a split decision, in which it was unable to determine whether Markell's office violated FOIA by withholding emails simply because they were sent by a lawmaker or legislative staffer, without regard to their content or context.

Flowers filed a court appeal, followed by a cross-appeal from Markell asking the court to declare that any public body can withhold any emails received or sent by state lawmakers or their staffs.

DOVER, Del. -- Correctional officials say officers at the Vaughn Correctional Center near Smyrna confiscated contraband this week, though state officials and union leaders say a sophisticated shank was among the items collected and believe it demonstrateMore

DOVER, Del. -- Correctional officials say officers at the Vaughn Correctional Center near Smyrna confiscated contraband this week, though state officials and union leaders say a sophisticated shank was among the items collected and believe it demonstrateMore

The Talbot Boys statue in Easton has held it's ground - for now. Pat O'Brien says she can trace her roots to some of the names listed on the statue. She says, despite recent events, it should stay. But Richard Potter with Talbot County NAACP says the statue represents the hate similar to what happened in Charlottesville.

The Talbot Boys statue in Easton has held it's ground - for now. Pat O'Brien says she can trace her roots to some of the names listed on the statue. She says, despite recent events, it should stay. But Richard Potter with Talbot County NAACP says the statue represents the hate similar to what happened in Charlottesville.